Records Appraisal, 
& Disposition 
Directive

WELCOME
TO
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF ETHIOPIA

The National Library was first established in 1944. With the name "public Library Wemezekir". His Imperial Majesty Haile-Selassie I in 1944 inaugurated it. And began  its service with books granted by the King.

In 1976, the National Library received a legal right under proclamation No. 50/76 to collect three copies of all materials published in the country.  

The progressive act for the deposit of all published material in Ethiopia is an epoch making moment for the development of Libraries across the country.

Out of the most in valuable documents which the National Library has collected in the   last Sixty years through purchase, donation and Proclamations, the followings are some.

1.   Ancient and historical manuscripts written in the fourteenth and          fifteenth centuries as; The Four Gospels, Saint Paul's Message, and Passion Week;

2. Books printed since 1520 as Psalm of David, Tobia, State and Public Governance,  Wodajie  Libie, and World History;

3. Books and chronicles focusing on ancient, middle and modern Ethiopian political,  Economical, Social and Cultural affairs written by Ethiopian and foreign historians;

4. Other collections 

·         Hawi
The manuscript written on vellum of goat in Geeze language in the 20^th century. Its size is 50x37cm. and has 518 p.

·         Tefut
The manuscript written on vellum of goat in Geeze language in the 15^th century.

·         Ritua Haimanot
The manuscript written on vellum of goat in Geeze language in the 14^th century.

·         Kibre Negest (Glory of Kings)
The manuscript written on vellum of goat in Geeze language in the 14^th century.

Governmental and non-governmental newspapers published since 1902 as:-

·         AEMERO,    BERHANENA SELAM,   DIMTS ERITREA,  YEQESAR MENGIST,      DIMTS, ADDIS ZEMEN, THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD ETC.

Governmental and non-governmental magazines published since 1941 as:-

BERHANENA SELAM, MENEN, YEKATIT, ETC.

Videotapes, Magnetic tapes, Historical Photographs and several other prints abundantly available for study and research purposes.

         Collection of Legal Deposit.